Guide to Eclectic Style: 6 Tips for Decorating in Eclectic Style

Eclectic style is a type of interior design that blends different styles and motifs together to create a unique aesthetic. Eclectic design is often driven by an overarching theme such as boho eclectic—which uses the same principles of eclectic room ideas while adhering to a Bohemian style—or glam eclectic, which uses a more saturated and lively palette to create a more “glamorous” and vibrant feel. The term “eclecticism” comes from the Greek word eklektikos, which translates to “selective.” Eclectic design first emerged in the nineteenth century in Europe as a way for architects to create unique designs while maintaining some traditional style.

Eclectic style today originated in Paris during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. One of the city's main architecture and design schools, the École des Beaux-Arts, was renowned for its decorative arts program where students from all over the world came together in a place where they could collaborate and invent completely new styles. Some of these students were American architects who brought the Beaux-Art style back with them, giving buildings a classic and historic style with updated, modern flourishes.

Eclectic interior design features a diverse yet curated mix of aesthetic and functional features.

1. 1. Mixing different visual elements. Mixing prints, patterns, and textures is the foundation of eclectic design. Eclectic decor brings together different shapes, compositions, and design elements that normally wouldn’t complement each other to create an additional dimension or layer of interest.
2. 2. Fusion of modern and traditional. Eclectic design marries decor from different time periods. You might see vintage furniture paired with minimalist art of architecture. You might also see a mid-century modern style bathroom complete with French Renaissance accents.
3. 3. It’s carefully curated. Eclectic interior design may look effortless, but decorators need to carefully curate the individual variables to make sure that everything works together. There is often a unifying element or theme, like color, texture, or a specific focal point.

Here is an overview of a few tips to help design your eclectic interior.

1. 1. Choose a unifying color. A color palette can help tie the many disparate elements of your room together. Choose a few colors to repeat throughout your design scheme. You can repeat these colors in your area rug, throw pillows, side tables, and floor lamps, especially if they’re from different design schools.
2. 2. Provide a focal point. A focal point like an accent wall, gallery wall, or a statement piece of furniture can help draw the eye to the desired place in your room. You can also use the style of this piece to drive the style choices for the rest of your room.
3. 3. Mix and match patterns, prints, and textures. Mixing different materials together can have a significant impact on the way a space looks and feels. Repeat some of the same mismatched patterns and textures throughout your room to help create a sense of visual harmony.
4. 4. Mix style genres. Eclectic spaces can feature a few elements of different style genres. Experiment with different combinations of collectibles or featured items to get a sense of what goes together. For instance, your French Victorian coffee table might work surprisingly well in your art deco living room. Your minimalist gallery wall might make the perfect focal point for your Memphis-designed-themed dining room.
5. 5. Include negative space. Negative space can give your viewer’s eye a rest in an eclectic space. Break up your eclectic interior design with neutral colors and blank spaces to make sure you don’t overwhelm the eye or give the room a cluttered feel.

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